*I originally typed this out a month ago, but the weeks have been full which is why I’m only just posting 🙂
As we press on into Year 2 we are thankful for the many reminders of how much more settled we feel now and we look forward to continuing to plant deeper roots over this next year.
For example, we have started running into different events that we were here for last year like cool season, Ramadan, events at Mia’s school and so on.
It also dawned on me recently that I used to be so stressed by the doorbell ringing, which was a bummer since it usually happens multiple times each day, but now I feel very comfortable answering it and even have a rhythm with our various vendors (fish guy once a week, fruit guy every day, trash pick up, lemon guy several times a week etc.).
Conversations in French feel less daunting – although this is still one of the greatest areas for growth that we see. We have a better idea of where to get groceries from to get the best prices and which times of day are better for traffic. We have relationships in the various spheres of our life here including several really close Christian friends, which was something I was deeply craving this time last year. Our kids enjoy their lives here and are at ease when at home and out. We’re all picking up phrases in the local language, Wolof.
There is still SO much to learn, especially in language, culture, team dynamics, how to do ministry here, what church involvement looks like and so on, but we are in awe of the way God has worked and we feel confident that He has great things in store for the rest of this year. We continue to feel so blessed to get to live in Senegal.
Thank you for your part in this journey!
-Selina